In what turned out to be a dramatic week in college football, we witnessed some unexpected outcomes that left fans and pundits buzzing. From the humbling of Colorado to Florida State’s resurgence, here’s a breakdown of the winners and losers from Week 4.
Winners
Florida State: The Seminoles made a resounding statement with their overtime victory against Clemson. This win marks a turning point for Florida State, signaling their return to prominence in the ACC. Quarterback Jordan Travis emerged as a Heisman Trophy contender, and fourth-year coach Mike Norvell’s work is finally receiving the recognition it deserves. Florida State has firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the conference.
Ohio State: The Buckeyes showcased their championship pedigree with a dramatic last-minute victory over Notre Dame. Quarterback Kyle McCord displayed maturity beyond his years, while the defense delivered a championship-caliber performance. Ohio State’s ability to come through in clutch situations bodes well for their prospects this season.
Alabama: Despite offensive struggles, Alabama managed to secure a crucial win against Mississippi. The Crimson Tide’s defense stepped up, limiting the Rebels to just 301 yards. While not pretty, this win showed Alabama’s adaptability and determination to succeed in the challenging SEC West.
Penn State: Penn State’s dominant 31-0 victory over Iowa highlighted the Hawkeyes’ offensive shortcomings. The Nittany Lions’ defense stifled Iowa, allowing only 76 yards. Quarterback Drew Allar’s performance and a strong running game demonstrated Penn State’s versatility and ability to adjust to specific opponents.
Duke and Kansas: Known for their basketball prowess, Duke and Kansas surprised everyone with impressive wins. Duke’s quarterback Riley Leonard continued his excellent form, while Kansas overcame Brigham Young in their Big 12 opener. Both teams are now 8-0 combined, signaling a promising season ahead.
Utah: Utah’s smothering defense and strong performance against UCLA have solidified their status as a contender. Despite missing senior quarterback Cam Rising, the Utes remain unbeaten against Power Five opponents. Coach Kyle Whittingham’s coaching prowess has been on full display this September.
Northwestern: Northwestern staged an incredible comeback against Minnesota, winning 37-34 in overtime. This victory defied expectations and showcased the team’s resilience under interim coach David Braun. Despite a challenging run-up to the season, Northwestern is proving its doubters wrong.
Wyoming: Wyoming is making a case for itself among the top Group of Five teams. Their comeback win against Appalachian State and competitive performance against Texas demonstrate their potential to be a formidable force in college football.
Losers
Clemson: Clemson’s era of dominance in the ACC has come to an end. Florida State’s overtime victory marked a changing of the guard in the conference. The Tigers, while still a top-end program, are no longer the undisputed leaders. Clemson’s decline has been gradual, and it’s now clear that the path to ACC supremacy runs through Florida State.
Notre Dame: Notre Dame’s narrow loss to Ohio State was a missed opportunity for a program-defining win. The Irish will need to avoid further losses to remain in playoff contention, and their schedule won’t provide much room for error.
Sanders (Deion and Shedeur): Deion Sanders’ coaching journey hit a bump with Colorado’s loss to Oregon. Shedeur Sanders faced immense pressure and struggled against the Ducks’ defense. Deion will need to regroup his team before the upcoming clash with USC.
Oregon State: In a thrilling Pac-12 matchup, Oregon State narrowly lost to Washington State. While the game displayed high-quality football, it also highlighted the challenges facing teams left out of the Power Five conferences.
Virginia Tech: Virginia Tech’s struggles continued with a loss to Marshall. The Hokies’ inability to convert third downs and their porous defense raise concerns about their performance this season. Coach Brent Pry faces an uphill battle to turn the team’s fortunes around.
Week 4 brought unexpected twists and turns in college football, reminding us that anything can happen on the gridiron. As the season progresses, we can expect more thrilling moments and surprises that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. Stay tuned for the latest updates and analysis on the college football landscape.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the opinions and analysis of the author and may not necessarily represent the views of SilencesoLoud.com
